Whew! We certainly dodged a big bullet this last week, didn’t we? Even though some are not so lucky in places like Haiti and the Bahamas, the East Coast could have gotten a lot worse outcome, especially if people didn’t heed warnings and Matthew decided to be more fierce. But aside from some flooding in areas and down trees, most survived quite well. The Sunset Beach Causeway was underwater and people were stranded out on the islands. But things are getting back to normal and people are returning to their homes.

But what should you do when you return? What are some of the first steps to take in order to assess your property?

Roof

First off, check the roof. Are there any shingles or pieces missing? 50-60 MPH winds can do some serious damage to your roof. Inspect the attic for leaks or water damage or stains on the ceiling inside the house. Did any branches fall and damage the roof? Hopefully you didn’t return home to find a tree through your house. If so, call your insurance and take pictures right away. Don’t actually get ON the roof as it may be unstable but check for any loose shingles or shutters and make notes and take pictures for insurance purposes and/or repair people.

Flooding

Did you have any flooding during the storm? Storm surges can really bring a lot of water inland as well as flooded rivers and lakes. Check with your insurance to make sure you have flood insurance and if there is any damage you’ll want it cleaned up professionally to avoid any mold or permanent water damage. NOTE: Most flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period so don’t put off getting coverage if there is s next time.

Hurricane Deductibles

Many insurance providers offer specific policies for coastal homes. Most deductibles typically have a set dollar amount but hurricane deductibles are set as a percentage of the home’s value. Be sure to ask your insurance provider if it covers her can deductibles and ask what those are from your insurance agent.

Document and secure

After a hurricane or major storm has struck you want to photograph and document any damage. This can make the insurance claims much easier and it will keep a running list of all damaged items. Ask your insurance agent if there is a home inventory that they should be taking as policyholders. This is a list the documents the contents of your home. It can include photographs with detailed descriptions or even receipts.

Don’t wait to file a claim. Insurance companies will be working hard over the next couple of months and they typically work on a first come, first-serve basis. Contact your provider right away and let them know the extent of the damage. You will probably have an insurance adjuster come to the property and assess the damage themselves.

Remember and reflect

One of the most important things to remember if you are all safe that a house is simply things. As long as you, your family and perhaps pets got out safely, rebuilding and managing from here is doable.

We pray each of you is safe, healthy and back at home in Brunswick County!

What our clients say

Jessica Lowery

I love working with Karen and Frank. They are honest, not pushy, and have your best interest in mind. They...

2015-05-12T20:51:52+00:00

I love working with Karen and Frank. They are honest, not pushy, and have your best interest in mind. They will also make you laugh! :) Love these two!!!

http://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/jessica-lowery/

Steve & Jean DeVito

“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to...

2015-03-16T20:17:46+00:00

“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to Sunset Beach they created a portal and populated it with properties that met our ever-evolving criteria. By time we arrived we had a good feel for what we could afford and what was available that met our criteria. The Bakers, especially Karen, were able to make sense of what we thought we were looking for and eventually matched us with a house that we ended up purchasing — Karen called it the “This is it” house and she was right. We are loving our 2nd home and appreciate how painless Karen and Frank made the process. All the paperwork was done seamlessly and quickly and the closing went off without a hitch. The Bakers do not believe in the hard sell — they gave us the knowledge we needed and the guidance we needed to make our dream a reality.”

http://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/steve-jean-devito/

Matt & Amy Carver

Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best...

2015-03-16T20:18:22+00:00

Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.”

http://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/matt-amy-carver/

Ernie & Carol G.

“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When...

2015-03-16T20:18:50+00:00

“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When we made up our minds which one we wanted, they got us the best deal on it. We were very satisfided with them. After the purchased was made & we moved in, they were still there to answer any questions or problems that we might of had. Like I said, they are the BEST.”

http://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/ernie-carol-g/

Dave & Rose

“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”

2015-03-16T20:19:23+00:00

“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”